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Unai Emery needs to axe Emi Buendia after miserable performance in 2-1 win v Tottenham
Aston Villa secured yet another victory as Unai Emery’s men beat Tottenham 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
There were a number of excellent performances, with John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey the standouts against Ryan Mason’s side.
However, one performance that was slightly below par was that of Emi Buendia. The Argentinian was substituted in the second half after a fairly ineffectual attacking performance.
Statistically, the former Norwich man was well below par. As per FotMob, the 26-year-old only managed 28 touches. For a player who is meant to be a creative spark, this is on the low side. Furthermore, Buendia failed to create one chance during the clash, with an expected goals of just 0.14.
Another alarming statistic was the Argentinian only managed three passes to the final third. Villa amassed eight chances during the fixture and for Buendia not to have a part in any of them is disappointing. With zero key passes and dribbles attempted, Emery would’ve been expecting more (Whoscored).
Boubacar Kamara came on the replace Buendia in the second period and the Frenchman could well come in to replace the attacking midfielder in the remaining fixtures.
Potentially moving McGinn into a more attacking-minded role, which he has thrived in, could well be an option for Emery. It’s important the Spaniard keeps his players fresh and takes them out of the firing line if they’re struggling for form.
With Liverpool and Brighton to come, Villa could look to bolster their midfield and Kamara would be the ideal candidate to step in.
European football is still on the agenda and a strong end to the season against two direct rivals could see Emery’s side playing their football on a Thursday night next season.
Two big performances are required and ensuring the most in-form players are in the starting XI is absolutely vital.
In other Aston Villa news, the club should go all guns blazing for a £60million signing that Gabby Agbonlahor named a “superstar”.